But the Wimbledon finalist spoke publicly in support of Djokovic here last year and Kyrgios said: “I think from a supporting point of view, I know that people are always going to have the people they hate and people they love. I’m one of those player who deals with everywhere I go with people screaming out inappropriate things. Fans love that rollercoaster ride.
“But I would just say that Novak’s here and he hasn’t made any rules. He’s one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just on the tennis courts. So he’s here and all he wants to do is to put on a show for Melbourne itself. He’s not just doing it for himself. I think as fans we should be appreciating that. I know there are fans who are not going to want him to win but you can’t cross that line.
“You guys have paid money to watch the guy play it. It’s pretty contradictory if you’re gonna go there and be a clown about it. You gotta respect him a little bit at the end of the day.”